At the 2008 Melbourne International Motor Show, Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) made public its new GT and F6 performance sedans. This came several months before their actual release which is in June, and gives the public a glimpse at the new line-up. What is undoubtedly one of the most significant changes is that the Ford Oval will not appear on the exterior of these models. Rather, the FPV badges will be displayed on the centre grille and centre boot lid. Each model in this new range will have this insignia. Ford Performance Vehicles General Manager Rod Barrett describes this new change as a positive one. “It signifies the maturing of our brand and the evolution of FPV as Ford’s performance partner.”
Ford Performance Vehicles has basically moved the eight sedan and Ute model variants into two categories, the GT series and the F6 series. While the GT series maintains its more loyal following of the traditional Ford know-how, the F6 series is geared toward a newer audience. This F6 series has high-performance six-cylinder cars as opposed to the V8 of the former category. The F6 series has replaced the Typhoon and Tornado models with the F6 and F6 Ute. This division of the cars allows Ford and FPV to cater to the needs of a larger, growing sector of drivers.
As part of these changes, the GT introduces a new sedan, the GT-E. While its sister vehicles, the GT and GT-P display such new features as the front grille treatment, rear wing, and side striping, they also display a new hood decal. The stylish, luxurious GT-E is set apart by the rear lip spoiler, chrome accents, V8 bonnet bulge and badging. It also has 19-inch alloy wheels, a premium brake package and six-piston Brembo brakes which are all standard features. All of these elements give the GT-E a refined quality that also preserves the features of a sporty performance vehicle found in the other GT models. The other GT models in the range are the Super Pursuit and Pursuit Ute.
Other substantial changes have been in the FPV line as well. The new models have been engineered to the highest in Australian motoring performance standards. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is now an option on the sedan and Ute vehicles. Another major change is that the FPV sedan line will offer manual or automatic transmissions to its consumers for no additional charge. Some of the power and torque statistics on these vehicles will be released closer to June. The FPV range is a testament to Ford’s most loyal customers as well as its perhaps newer, more passionate ones.